PC sacked after hotel attempted rape allegation

A Sussex Police officer has been dismissed by the force after facing allegations of sexual assault and attempted rape against a colleague.

Daniel Julian, 47, was accused of attempting to rape a fellow officer in a hotel in Kent in August 2021, but was found not guilty at trial.

A misconduct hearing earlier this month, which concluded on Monday, found Julian, a former police constable, had breached the force's professional standards and he was dismissed without notice.

Det Supt Andy Wolstenholme said: "Misogyny and sexual misconduct have no place in Sussex Police."

The misconduct hearing was told the allegations related to an incident which took place in the early hours of the morning while Julian and his colleague were on a police training course.

Julian faced charges of sexual assault, causing a woman to engage in sexual activity without consent, and attempted rape.

He was cleared by a jury at Lewes Crown Court in April, 2024.

During the trial, jurors heard how the alleged victim had secretly recorded part of the incident on her phone, having feared she was going to be raped.

In his defence, Julian denied bruising the woman, pinning her down or forcing her to engage in sexual activity with him.

Julian will also be added to the College of Policing Barred List, meaning he will not be able to serve in the police in the future.

Wolstenholme added: "This case centred on a victim who showed strength in the face of persistent, unwanted behaviour, and an officer who breached the trust of their colleague whilst away on a police training course.

"When supporting victims, we are clear that 'no means no', there is no ambiguity, and so when PC Julian tried to initiate an intimate encounter and was told 'no' repeatedly, it was clear that he knew that his behaviour was entirely inappropriate, yet he continued regardless.

"We are unequivocable; misogyny and sexual misconduct have no place in Sussex Police, and any officer who fails to respect the boundaries, autonomy and voice of others will face decisive action."

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